Eastcote Conservation Panel Update
Never in my wildest imagination did I think I would be writing such a Christmas newsletter. Lockdown again, for all in the South East. This is the first time in 48 years we have not been able to be together at Christmas as a family. Many of you will be experiencing the same situation, however, I do take comfort from the fact that this separation is not voluntary, the warm closeness of family and friends is still there albeit at a distance. Take heart, life will improve, nothing ever stays the same.
The media only broadcasts gloom and doom, never do we hear of the tremendous efforts made by local groups and people to keep our community together. Churches have live streamed their services. The Friends of Eastcote House Gardens, have, working as individuals rather than a group, throughout 2020 kept the Gardens in excellent order. They have been unable to hold all the usual events, these are just on hold and will be back as soon as the situation allows. Local history publications are still available, these make fine Christmas presents see the web site below. Useful if shops are not open.
The Friends of Pinn Meadows have also managed to continue with their conservation work.
www.fopm.org.uk
The Royal British Legion Eastcote Branch, have been unable hold their usual to fund raising events, the Poppy Appeal was restricted, yet they have managed to raise £11k so far this year. The annual Remembrance Day Parade and Service was cancelled, however, local groups were still able to lay wreathes as usual.
Eastcote Horticultural Society, made arrangements for members to order in advance and collect from the trading hut weekly. Regrettably the three annual shows were cancelled, but an on line gallery was created to display members wonderful flowers.
After moving to North Somerset our daughter Sally joined the local ‘Rock Choir’. This is a nationwide organization. Our nearest branch is in Pinner. https://www.rockchorus.com/pinner
Throughout the pandemic the various groups have ‘met’ online, all the groups in the country with some 4,550 members have managed to make a Charity Christmas recording. Each member recorded their part which was mixed to make this video. http://go2.mailengine1.com/click/fdra-2c2etm-umafju-acm53o68/
Quite an achievement ! Somewhere in the cast of thousands is Sally! Any choristers amongst you who would like to sing, have a look at their website [above].
The Generations Choir have released this recording fund raising for the Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre, Mount Vernon Hospital.
Link...............Penny Lane is a local musician. More information about the group see below
Artist: The Generations Choir
Title: Nothing Lasts Forever
Label: Wienerworld
Release: 13 November 2020
Genre: Theatrical Pop
Format: Single Digital Release
Contact: For further info, please
contact Patrick Swift, Press
& PR, 020 8206 1177
patrick@wienerworld.com
The Generations Choir
Proud to be fundraising for the Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre
With their inspiring single ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’
Wienerworld releases a heartfelt song with a beautifully positive message in response to life-changing events – with all
proceeds going to a very worthy cause, the Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre.
Originally written a few years ago by professional singer/songwriter Penny Lane and composer Glenn Keiles, the
uplifting ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’ has been newly recorded and is dedicated to all those suffering from cancer. It is a
personal message from Penny, a breast cancer survivor, who was aided in her recovery by the staff at the Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Northwood, Middlesex.
Friends, family, students and professional colleagues of Penny Lane are all involved in the touching video accompanying the track, which was put together at the height of lockdown measures and “the new normal”. A plethora of West End musical and theatrical vocal talent is involved, including Jodie Steele (Wicked, Fame, Rent), Moss Kena (singer/songwriter signed to Sony Music), Richie Sampson (Soul Kinda Wonderful), Lynsey Simon (The Kookies, Billy Ocean, John Denver), Richard Shelton (Rat Pack Confidential, Emmerdale, Jane the Virgin), Daniel Briskin (singer/songwriter signed to EMI), Miriam Stockley (backing vocalist/guest appearances for Freddie Mercury, Queen, Roger Daltrey), Natasha Bernard, Vivien Ellis (singer, community choir leader, music researcher), guitarist Erwin Keiles (Jamiroquai, Take That, Westlife), drummer Ian Palmer (The Ghosts, Jane McDonald) and of course Penny herself.
How to donate: The track will be available on all popular digital download and streaming platforms, with all profits being donated to the Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre. To donate £5, text LYNDAJACKSON 5 to 70085. To donate £10 text LYNDAJACKSON 10 to 70085, or to donate a larger amount please visit
https://www.ljmc.org/. Texts cost £5 or £10
(depending on your donation) plus one standard rate message.
About the Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre: The centre is located at the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre in Northwood,
Middlesex, and provides support and information to help people affected by cancer and their loved ones. These usually include face-to-face counselling and complementary therapy sessions, but due to COVID-19 the team is working hard to adapt its services. Your donations will help to provide guided telephone relaxation, support sessions and create online relaxation, breathing and visualisation techniques.
About Macmillan Cancer Support: Macmillan Cancer Support is one of the largest British charities and provides specialist healthcare, information and financial support to people affected by cancer. It also looks at the social, emotional and practical impact cancer can have, and campaigns for better cancer care. Macmillan is campaigning to ensure cancer doesn’t becomethe forgotten ‘C’ of a pandemic that is already hitting cancer patients hard practically, emotionally and financially.
Many other local groups and individuals have contributed to our community as well, it is easy to sit and moan, far harder to put effort into making a difference, thank you to all the stalwarts of Eastcote and surrounding areas, the RAF motto comes to mind,
‘Per Ardua ad Astra’- ‘Through adversity to the stars’
Take care, keep well and look out for one another, have a peaceful Christmas and let’s raise a glass to a successful 2021.
Cheers! And don’t forget to smile……………
Lesley
A different, yet topical tree decoration. Thanks to FEHG volunteer Andy for these smiles.